The Joys Of Thanksgivakkuh

Students taking online culinary courses understand that there are extraordinary moments in life that call for extraordinary actions. This year, Thanksgiving and Hanukkah, the eight day Jewish holiday and dedication, both land on the last Thursday of November. What happens next, of course, is the amazing combination of both holidays into one big party called Thanksgivukkah.

Why Thanksgivukkah?

Thanksgivakkuh is a rare time for families and friends to celebrate both the American holiday of Thanksgiving and the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah on the same day. On Thanksgiving, Americans celebrate the day the Pilgrims first had a harvest feast with their Native American neighbors nearly 400 years ago. The Pilgrims fled the England because of persecution from the Church of England and came to the New World in search of religious freedom. Hanukkah, also called the Jewish Festival of Lights, is an eight-day celebration commemorating a Jewish military victory and the miracle of lamp oil lasting for eight days when it should have only lasted one. The Jewish holiday was brought into prominence in America by Jewish refugees after World War II ended, becoming a symbol of freedom for the displaced.

What to Eat on Thanksgivukkah

Just as Christmas and Hanukkah coincide over the years and children receive gifts for both occasions, kids can eat a hearty meal with their family for Thanksgiving and receive a present for Hanukkah. Here are some great food ideas that combine the best of both worlds:

Potato Latkes and Cranberry Applesauce
Latkes are traditional Jewish potato cakes that are fried in a skillet and are usually made with kosher baking powder, all-purpose flour, onions, eggs and of course potato​es. Top the cakes with a healthy helping of cranberry applesauce made with granulated sugar, apples, frozen or fresh cranberries, cinnamon and nutmeg.

Chili Braised Brisket
Use beer to cook the brisket long and slow, keeping the meat moist and tender. Simple spices like chili powder, fennel seed, salt and pepper will bring out the flavor in this simple, easy-to-make dish